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Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater
Front Cover Actor
Movie Details
Language English
Audience Rating NR (Not Rated)
Running Time 120 mins
Country USA
Color Color
Plot
This Pirates of Penzance is primarily a historical document, part of the Broadway Theater Archive television series. It presents, with some inevitable, tiny technical shortcomings, a live 1980 performance in Central Park, not the 1983 movie of the same name that also starred Linda Ronstadt and Kevin Kline. Those who remember that film, which had the benefit of retakes and editing, a lavish production budget, and the spaciousness of a Hollywood studio, may find this video less polished. On its own terms, it is nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable.

Advantages of this live performance include a sense of spontaneity, and the feeling of being part of a theatrical audience that is visibly and audibly having a very good time. The (reduced and partly electronic) orchestra is also visible; scenery is minimal; the onstage pirate boat, excellent for a live production, is no match for what a movie can offer. The voices are uneven, and some of them evoke Broadway more than London. But the performance is well styled, lively, and energetic. Gilbert and Sullivan's witty sparkle comes through clearly. --Joe McLellan

Personal Details
Seen It Yes
Index 707
Collection Status In Collection
Links Amazon US
Product Details
Edition Broadway Theatre Archive
Format DVD
Region Region 1
032031264298
Release Date 10/22/2002
Audio Tracks English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Nr of Disks/Tapes 1